Ikki Kusano was apprenticed to the renowned traditional kimono dyer, Mokusen Amano in Kyoko immediately after graduation from Ritsumeikan University. At the age twenty-nine, he founded his own atelier Ikki Design Studio as a kimono designer and dyer. Ikki is known for his signature modern traditional design defined by simple yet dynamic compositions and bold colors. He is considered to be one of the master kimono designers.